Kingsport traffic fatalities hit eight-year high

Rain Smith — Kingsport Times-News
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Sep 25, 2013 at 9:37 PM

Though Kingsport's 14 traffic fatalities in 2013 are the most seen in a calendar year since 20 deaths in 2005, police say there's little they can do about the overriding factors in such tragedies: poor decisions and habits of motorists themselves."While the Kingsport Police Department is actively working to keep Kingsport's roadways safe by enforcing laws, it is truly the driver behind the wheel of each and every vehicle who can make the most difference," said KPD Public Information Officer Tom Patton.Eleven fatal crashes have occurred within the city limits this year; five on state routes, four on interstate highways and two on municipal streets. According to statistics provided by Kingsport police, six of the 14 victims weren't wearing seatbelts.